Top Cybersecurity Schools in Pennsylvania

With the fifth-largest population in the United States, Pennsylvania hosts a thriving economy with opportunities across industries. Hosting some of the country's top cybersecurity schools, Pennsylvania offers strong educational programs to current and aspiring tech professionals. As of Nov. 2023, Pennsylvania hosts more than a dozen Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in cybersecurity, as designated by the National Security Agency (NSA).

The 2023 edition of CompTIA's Cyberstates report indicates that Pennsylvania's tech industry generated a $51 billion economic impact, representing 6.3% of the statewide total. Yet, only 4.9% of the state's workforce was employed in tech, ranking 26th in the United States.

The gap between tech employment and the economic impact of the state's tech industry suggests a significant labor-market shortage. In May 2023, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education acknowledged the situation, releasing an action plan to address the shortage by 2030.

The future appears bright for studying and working in cybersecurity in Pennsylvania. Use this detailed guide to cybersecurity schools and careers in the Keystone State to plot your course to success.

Why Get a Cybersecurity Degree in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest higher education networks in the United States. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Pennsylvania hosts 187 degree-granting institutions. As of Nov. 2023, 16 schools have received the NSA's CAE status.

Given the size and strength of Pennsylvania's college system, students can benefit from comprehensive program and format options. Learners may attend accredited campus-based programs in metropolitan, urban, suburban, and rural areas. They can also engage with hybrid learning or the scheduling conveniences of online education.

Many of the top cybersecurity schools in Pennsylvania include field training, internships, and other forms of experiential learning. Whether optional or required, these components can provide excellent networking opportunities. With Pennsylvania's labor market experiencing a notable shortage of skilled tech workers, practical learning can double as a promising route to potential job offers.

Pennsylvania residents can save on costs by attending college in their home state, as average tuition in Pennsylvania ranks on the higher side of the national average.

Education Statistics for Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's extensive higher education system gives learners dozens of options for earning two-year and four-year degrees. Over 40% of the state's student body takes at least some courses online, signaling strong engagement with quality distance learning options.

Source: NCES

Accreditation for Pennsylvania Schools

Institutional accreditation indicates that a school meets high academic quality standards following evaluation by trustworthy third-party agencies. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has historically served as the regional accrediting body for Pennsylvania colleges.

However, the U.S. accreditation system has recently changed. Any of the six regional accreditors recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) can now endorse schools located anywhere in the United States.

As a rule, you should only pursue Pennsylvania cybersecurity degrees offered by CHEA-recognized colleges. Use CHEA's directory to research and confirm the accreditation standing of any school you are considering.

Some cybersecurity degrees feature specialized programmatic accreditation. This optional endorsement indicates exceptional academic quality or strong coverage of a specific concentration. In addition to schools in the CAE community, look for endorsements from widely respected organizations like ABET.

Considerations for Cybersecurity Programs in Pennsylvania

Students must consider many factors when researching cybersecurity programs in Pennsylvania. Examples include:

• Attendance costs
• School prestige and reputation
• Diversity considerations
• Graduate placement rates
• Career and job recruitment services

Learning formats are also a key consideration to find the right program. Degree-seekers can pursue campus-based, hybrid, and online cybersecurity learning at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

As indicated by the data in the table below, Pennsylvania's distance education rates rank well below the national average. This data may indicate a preference for the traditional campus experience among members of the state's student body.

Even so, hybrid and fully online students can connect with programs at the top cybersecurity schools in Pennsylvania. Leading institutions commonly offer courses or entire degrees in online formats. Typically, these programs cover the same material and are taught by the same faculty members who lead traditional campus-based classes.

Explore rankings for top cybersecurity programs around the country

Associate Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

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Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

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Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity Programs

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Top Doctoral Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

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Cybersecurity Concentrations and Similar Degrees

Cybersecurity is one of multiple specialized computer science subjects that can prepare students for in-demand career paths. The table below summarizes other available options.

Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree in Pennsylvania

Education costs in the Keystone State, including for the top cybersecurity schools in Pennsylvania, outpace national averages. Many Pennsylvania students need help paying for their degrees.

If you require aid, start by exhausting non-repayable sources, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants. Notably, the PA State Grant Program provides such assistance to eligible residents.

Enrollees at Pennsylvania cybersecurity degrees can qualify for federal and private loans. However, loans create long-term debt and require repayments — use them only after pursuing aid like scholarships and grants.

In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition

At almost all public colleges in the United States, in-state students pay lower tuition fees than nonresidents. Many states participate in interstate compacts, which extend in-state rates to residents of neighboring jurisdictions. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states that does not participate in a tuition reciprocity program as of 2023.

To qualify for in-state tuition rates at public cybersecurity schools in Pennsylvania, you must meet state residency requirements. The core requirement stipulates that you must have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before enrolling.

Some online programs may offer flat-rate tuition, which allows out-of-state students to pay the same per-credit rate as in-state learners.

Pennsylvania's Cost of Living

Cost-of-living considerations can significantly affect budgeting, especially for campus-based learners. The cost of living in Pennsylvania aligns closely with national averages.

This cost of living index uses 100 as a baseline score to represent the national average for the entire United States. As of Nov. 2023, Pennsylvania has a cost of living score of 99.00, meaning it is 1% less expensive than the average U.S. jurisdiction.

Jobs for Cybersecurity Students in Pennsylvania

Cybersecurity continues to rank among the most in-demand tech specializations in the United States. In Jan. 2023, there remained almost 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity job vacancies nationwide. Opportunity abounds for qualified U.S. cybersecurity professionals, and Pennsylvania is no exception.

In 2023, cybersecurity ranked third behind IT support and software among professional specializations in the Pennsylvania tech industry. Multiple major Pennsylvania industries have increased cybersecurity needs, including:

• Energy production
• Medical technology and life sciences
• Aerospace and national defense
• Robotics and artificial intelligence
• Corporate services

According to the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), cybersecurity specialists will benefit from strong job growth in Pennsylvania. O*NET projects a 33% increase in Pennsylvania labor market demand for information security analysts from 2020-2030. O*NET also reports a 10% job growth projection for information security engineers over the same period.

O*NET groups each of the following careers in its information security analyst or engineer categories. Read on for further specifics about each of these three popular cybersecurity roles:

Vulnerability Assessor

Vulnerability assessors probe computer systems and networks to identify weaknesses that malicious actors could exploit. They are similar to penetration testers but instead tend to favor automated applications programmed to locate security anomalies.

Average Salary (Nov. 2023): $88,000

Incident Responder

In the cybersecurity industry, the term "incident responder" refers to multiple positions that involve frontline efforts to counter active cybersecurity threats. Similar job titles include network intrusion analyst, forensics intrusion analyst, and intrusion detection specialist.

Average Salary (Nov. 2023): $86,420

Computer Forensics Analyst

Computer forensics analysts possess targeted skills for gathering data and evidence generated by illegal activities. They often assist in criminal, counterterrorism, espionage, and cybersecurity incident investigations.

Average Salary (Nov. 2023): $76,290

The tables below cover further data and details related to cybersecurity and technology careers in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Employment Trends

Source: O*NET
*National numbers are for 2022-2032

Source: BLS OEWS

In terms of overall job numbers, software developers and IT specialists enjoy the highest levels of employment in Pennsylvania. These careers might be appealing if you seek popular, in-demand roles.

However, if you are more interested in maximizing your earning potential, you may want to consider careers in:

• Software development
• Information security
• IT management
• Hardware engineering
• Computer networking

In Pennsylvania, many tech careers pay wages below national averages. However, remember that the cited BLS figures represent statewide averages. Employers based in major cities often pay higher salaries due to higher local living costs and increased job market competition.

Cybersecurity Employers in Pennsylvania

Proofpoint: This international Silicon Valley-based cybersecurity and information security firm maintains an office location in Pittsburgh. Proofpoint serves clients in government, financial services, healthcare, and many other industries with cybersecurity needs.

Mastech Digital: Based in Pennsylvania's Moon Township, this minority-owned, publicly traded staffing company focuses on filling tech industry vacancies. Cybersecurity figures prominently in the data management wing of the company's business. Qualification standards are high, but professionals who meet requirements can benefit from Mastech's industry reputation.

DeFY Security: Headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, DeFY Security has led in the cybersecurity space for more than 20 years. DeFY boasts high-profile clients in the financial services, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing industries.

Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in Pennsylvania

The following organizations offer specialized programs, support, and services to established and emerging professionals in Pennsylvania's cybersecurity community:

Top Schools With Cybersecurity Degrees in Pennsylvania

The following Pennsylvania schools offer cybersecurity degrees or minor concentrations. Featured programs cover the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels.

While we tried to provide a complete list of programs, options not listed here may be available. Supplement this information with your own research, especially if you are interested in attending a school not included here.

Questions About Cybersecurity Programs in Pennsylvania